100 Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Recipes for Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest thing to cook in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

People getting rid of air fryers in favour of kitchen appliance that's cheaper to run. Households are shelving their air fryers in favour of another kitchen appliance that is cheaper to run, and just as healthy.

French fries are arguably the most popular thing to cook in an air fryer. Air fryers use a fraction of the oil as deep-frying, and making French fries in one results in an appreciably crisp exterior and fluffy inside without the greasiness.

Air fryers have a limited cooking capacity compared to traditional ovens or deep fryers, making them unsuitable for larger families or cooking larger portions.

By most measures, air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat. This cooking method might also cut down on some of the other harmful effects of oil frying.

It is safe to cook raw meat in the air fryer if it is fully defrosted, seasoned, and monitored. Some fully cooked foods, including chicken tenders or fries, can be placed frozen in the air fryer. However, with raw meat, it's recommended to thoroughly defrost to allow more even cooking and a tasty final product.

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What I wish I knew before I get an air fryer? ›

Some say it's too good to be true, that you can't effectively “fry” something with a few tablespoons of oil and hot circulating air. Some say yeah, it works but it takes up too much countertop space for what it's worth.

AIR fryers have been a hot topic in recent years, with a huge rise in sales as people look for healthier and more cost-effective ways to cook food. But now shoppers are searching for an alternative kitchen appliance that's said to be a better (and cheaper) alternative to air fryers: halogen ovens.

Versatility: Instant Pots have many capabilities compared to air fryers. Cooking times: Instant Pots can often prepare food more quickly than air fryers. Food choices: Although both small kitchen appliances can prepare a wide range of foods, Instant Pots offer more recipe options.

Some of the popular things to make in the air fryer are potatoes (chips, roasted, baked), muffins, scones, and cakes. It's also great for getting dinner on the table fast – we love to use our air fryer to make fritters, rissoles, nuggets, and pork belly (yes, you can cook raw meat in an air fryer).

Though certain foods become crispy and juicy in an air fryer, others can get messy or dry. Pros recommended using an air fryer when preparing frozen food, cookies, and bacon. Avoid putting overseasoned food, wet batters, and cheese in your air fryer — they can make a mess.